Local Artist Spearheading SF Bike Coalition's Silent Art Auction

Even though he’s a nine-year member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, local artist Jonn Herschend, 41, is quick to note that he isn’t a cycling fanatic (sfbike.org). “I don’t talk about bikes all the time,” he says. “It’s just a facet of my daily life.” What’s kept Herschend active in the advocacy group, however, is its dedication to improving bike safety and creating a citywide biking network. Herschend is giving back by spearheading the silent-art-auction portion of the SFBC’s annual fundraiser, Winterfest, held at SOMArts Cultural Center on December 7. The event—which features free valet bike parking and live entertainment — draws local politicians, artists and bike enthusiasts. The proud rider of a “nondescript black Surly,” Herschend can’t wait for the ride to “the biggest cycling party of the year.” Says the Noe Valley resident, “Everyone is heading to the same place with masses of bikes in the street. ... You really get a sense of the bike community.”